Unveiling Sri Lanka’s New Science and Technology Policy – The National Science Foundation (NSF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, celebrated National Science Day 2024 on Wednesday, 27th November 2024, at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. The event highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering innovation and leveraging science and technology for socio-economic advancement.
Morning Session: Research Symposium for School Students
The day began with a research symposium designed to inspire and educate school students about the world of science. Through interactive sessions and presentations, young minds were encouraged to explore and contribute to the scientific community, laying the groundwork for the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Afternoon Session: Launch of the New Science and Technology Policy
The afternoon session took center stage as a platform to reveal the government’s New Science and Technology Policy. The session featured Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya, Senior Advisor on Science and Technology to the President, delivering a highly anticipated keynote address.
In his first public appearance, Prof. Udugamasooriya provided a comprehensive overview of the new policy. Key highlights included:
- Socio-Economic Development: The emphasis on using science and technology as a tool for national growth and prosperity.
- Increased R&D Investment: A commitment to enhancing the Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD).
- Strategic Resource Allocation: Advocating for a systematic, focused, and optimized approach to deploying resources.
- Collaborative Implementation: Encouraging synergy among stakeholders to achieve the policy’s objectives effectively.
Diverse Audience and Participation
The event brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from government organizations under the Ministry of Science and Technology, academicians, undergraduates from state and private universities, vocational training institutions, and media personnel.
The Media and Event Management Division of the NSF organized the session under the leadership of Dr. Sepalika Sudasinghe, Director General, and Prof. Saman Seneweera, Chairman of the NSF. Mr. Rohitha Uduwawala, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, also graced the occasion, reflecting the Ministry’s active engagement in this initiative.
Promoting Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement
The primary objective of the afternoon session was to communicate the essence of the new science and technology policy to stakeholders and the general public. By fostering a shared vision, the event aimed to galvanize collective efforts toward achieving the policy’s goals.
The National Science Day 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s scientific landscape, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to building a future powered by innovation and strategic advancements in science and technology.
